Proving that vitality programs really work
Exercising regularly, eating enough vegetables, not stressing too much at work, going to bed on time, not sitting for too long: we really know by now what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle. Yet for many people, actually changing health behaviors is quite a task - even if the good intentions are there. In addition to a personal struggle, it is also becoming a growing social problem. Each new generation is unhealthier than the last, healthcare spending is skyrocketing, and healthcare staff shortages are reaching a critical point.
And that while there is increasing evidence, including from science, of what does work. Evidence is accumulating that vitality programs and health apps can positively influence health behavior and reduce healthcare costs. Take, for example, the various vitality apps offered by health insurers. health insurers that are discontinuing them. But shouldn't we (especially now) embrace all initiatives that make people healthier?
The importance of behavior change for health care
Many health problems stem from risk behaviors, such as unhealthy eating, smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, or stress. By changing behavior, people can improve their health, prevent chronic diseases, and increase overall quality of life. This reduces the burden on the healthcare system and helps employers see a reduction in absenteeism. Vitality programs are valuable because they can effectively encourage behavior change. Healthcoin also pairs this with a reward system in a fun way (in the form of healthcoins you can save in an app) to give people an extra boost.
Evidence from science
There have been many interesting studies in recent years on the effects of vitality programs and similar health apps on healthier lifestyles and reducing healthcare costs. We briefly list the most important findings.
A decrease in healthcare costs
From research by the University of Groningen shows that the use of the SamenGezond app (offered by health insurer Menzis) significantly reduces healthcare costs among users. Participants' healthcare costs fell by an average of 5% per participant per year. Participants had lower GP costs, made less use of specialist care (favorable for long waiting times) and were more likely to raise the alarm for mental complaints. Another interesting study, published in the scientific journal Preventive Medicine, also shows a relationship between the use of mobile health apps (mHealth apps) and decreasing healthcare costs. Results that don't lie!
Financial incentives work
Are financial incentives an effective tool to encourage healthy behaviors? The science answers this question with a convincing "yes. From research shows that with financial incentives, for example, "smoking cessation, healthier eating behaviors and increased exercise are encouraged and that a financial incentive helps people convert motivation into actual behavior." We share the insight that rewards are a highly effective means of changing health behaviors (read more about them in this blog). We notice it ourselves in a funny way when allocating healthcoins for activities: when we accidentally give participants too few coins for an activity (even if it's just a few cents), the customer service phone is red hot.
Economic Impact
A society in which we all live just a little bit healthier also has a positive economic impact on employers, health insurers and governments, for example. It simply costs less to promote health and prevent disease than to treat existing health problems. In addition, healthy people function better in the workplace; they are more productive and less often sick. Vitality programs such as Healthcoin make a valuable contribution to this by focusing on long-term behavioral changes that impact quality of life.
Getting started!
Despite a tremendous amount of evidence that vitality programs and similar health apps contribute to healthier lifestyles and can relieve the burden of care, these tools are not yet structurally deployed. We are simply not used enough to investing in prevention, so even initiatives that are proven to work still fail. A missed opportunity for health insurers, employers and policy makers! For us extra reason to keep propagating our mission 'everyone healthy'. Because we hold the key to a healthier Netherlands, but we still have to open the door!
HR manager - UMCG Ambulance Care
"The revenues certainly outweigh the costs: over 180 people are working on their health and vitality this way, and that's where the profit is for us."
Healthcoin participant - UMCG Ambulance Care
"I have already exchanged my saved Healthcoins for a hula hoop, athletic shoes and several books."
Is your organization interested in investing in workplace vitality, would you like to know more about our approach or would you like to test our product without any obligation?Schedule an appointment right awaywith our team and you will get a demo and a specific proposal within half an hour! Do you have any other questions? Feel free tocontactwith us.